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NFL free agency 2017: Who's left for the Colts?

Here's your chance to play general manager and wade into the crop of NFL free agents for 2017. In advance of the free agent market that officially opened March 9, we ranked the top available players at each position.

Here's your chance to play general manager and wade into the crop of NFL free agents for 2017. In advance of the free agent market that officially opens at 4 p.m. Thursday, we ranked the top available players at each position. We will continue to update this list as players make their decisions.

Here's a look at the top players available at each position, along with Insider Zak Keefer's take on the Colts' needs at each:

Kirk Cousins proved last year wasn't a fluke and dropped over 4,900 yards and 25 touchdowns in Washington, but the franchise tag was slapped on him again for the second year. Could a trade be in his future? ... With few options available, teams in a need of a stop-gap starter will kick the tires on Mike Glennon and Geno Smith ... Bryan Hoyer had six TDs and zero interceptions while subbing in for the Bears before breaking his arm. He could find himself reunited with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco.

Colts outlook: No discussion here. If Andrew Luck misses any time recovering from early-January shoulder surgery, back-up Scott Tolzien will take the reins.

Adrian Peterson averaged 1.9 yards per carry behind a mediocre (at best) offensive line last season. Despite turning 32 this month, Peterson will have suitors for his services, banking last year was an anomaly. ... Eddie Lacy may have only racked up 72 yards per game for Green Bay, but his 5.1 yards per carry says people should consider giving him a call. ... Can anyone trust the knees of Jamaal Charles? Someone will give him a year to find out. ... Rex Burkhead could be the diamond in the rough. He posted a 4.6 yard per carry average for Cincinnati, including a regular season finale where he racked up 119 yards and two TDs against Baltimore.

Colts outlook: The most glaring need on the offensive side of the ball for Indianapolis, the Colts figure to attack this in the draft rather than free agency. They need their running back of the future. Robert Turbin, a viable back-up to Frank Gore, will hit the open market but hopes to return to Indianapolis. If the Colts are smart, they address this need in April, not March.

Patrick DiMarco flashed his pass catching skills against the Colts in Week 11 of the 2015 season with three catches for 21 yards and two TDs. Every team in the NFL remembers watching him open holes for Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman in 2016. ... Kyle Juszczyk is also known for his soft hands out of the backfield, but shined in the blocking department, especially where Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was concerned.

Alshon Jeffery didn't get the big numbers he was hoping for in 2016 and a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's PED policy didn't help his cause. However, he is clearly the top talent in this year's wide receiver crop and someone will surely pay top dollar for his services. ... DeSean Jackson's 17.9 yards per catch was among the best in the league last season. He's still in his prime at 30 years old. ... Terrelle Pryor is the ultimate question mark. Can he hold up as a No. 1 receiver? With 1,007 yards in his first full year at the position, teams are eager to find out.

Colts outlook: One of the team’s deepest units – no, that’s not saying much – the Colts won’t be chasing any wide receivers this week. T.Y. Hilton just led the league in receiving yards and is playing on a $65 million contract. Donte Moncrief is due for an extension next year, and Phillip Dorsett has at least another season to prove he’s a first-round talent. Also, Chester Rogers impressed down the stretch for Indy and is under contract for two more years.

Rare are the tight ends that can do it all, but that is exactly what Martellus Bennett brings to the table. Pair that with his toughness and it's easy to see why he is the top tight end in this market. Did we mention his 701 yards receiving and seven TDs? ... Jared Cook has shown flashes of greatness, but never has made himself a consistent threat. At age 30, the speed that makes him so enticing will start to fade soon.

Colts outlook: It all depends on the future of Jack Doyle, the team’s top free agent entering this week. If Doyle walks, Erik Swoope – who had a breakout season in 2016 – slides into the No. 2 spot behind starter Dwayne Allen. Like the running back position, the Colts would very likely look to add depth to the spot through the draft rather than free agency.

Riley Reiff was a big part of Matthew Stafford's resurgence, and his skills haven't gone unnoticed. ... Andrew Whitworth is a beast, but he is also 35 years old. When will father time catch up with him? ... Russell Okung didn't pan out in Denver, but considering the weakness of the tackle crop, he's sure to still get paid for his services. ... Teams looking for experience on the offensive line will give Kelvin Beachum another go despite his struggles in 2017.

Colts outlook: Of the few tidbits new general manager Chris Ballard offered at last week’s combine, he admitted he was encouraged by the young talent on the team’s offensive line, singling out Joe Haeg and Le’Raven Clark by name. The unit progressed late in the 2016 season, enough so to make you think the Colts could be comfortable with them moving forward. Haeg, Clark and Denzelle Good could offer the sort of training camp competition Ballard wants to instill in the franchise.

The strength and power of Kevin Zeitler will be coveted by many teams seeking help on the offensive line. ... No one will question the abilities of T.J. Lang. His health? That may be another thing entirely, especially for the price tag he'll demand. ... Ronald Leary did a great job of keeping defenses off of Dak Prescott for the Cowboys. Of course, that is easier to do when you are sandwiched between All-Pros left tackle Tyron Smith and center Travis Frederick.

Colts outlook: The guard spot could be the one area on the offensive line the Colts chase in free agency. Jack Mewhort has been solid at the left guard spot since landing in Indy in the second round of the 2013 draft; the right guard spot has been a never-ending game of musical chairs. If 2016 is any indication, Haeg figures to fill that spot moving forward.

A.Q. Shipley, Arizona: Re-signing with Arizona, according to the team.

Joe Hawley, Tampa Bay: Re-signs with Tampa Bay, 2 years.

John Sullivan, Washington

Brian Schwenke, Tennessee: Signs with Indianapolis.

Ryan Wendell, Carolina

Mike Person, Kansas City: Re-signs with Kanas City.

Cody Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

A weak crop of centers made Nick Mangold's availability a pleasant sight. The Jets are moving on from the 33-year-old veteran to save money, but his experience could be huge for a young offensive line. ... J.C. Tretter's seven-game audition as a fill-in on Green Bay's offensive line went well enough that several teams should be looking into his services.

After eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2016, Calais Campbell has teams with money to spend salivating at the chance to land the 31-year-old. ... Chris Baker's 48 combined tackles and constant ability to create havoc makes him a premium addition for any defensive unit.

Colts outlook: Beyond the linebacker spots, there is no greater need on this team than the defensive line. Expensive as he’d be – and he’d be very, very expensive -- Calais Campbell could transform the unit.

Brandon Williams really should almost be a 1B because he was an one-man wrecking crew when it came to stopping the run in Baltimore. ... Few defensive tackles have the athleticism of Dontari Poe and he's still fairly young. ... Nick Fairley had 43 combined tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2016. If you're looking for raw power, here's where you start.

Colts outlook: Like much of the Colts’ defense, this is an unit defined by uncertainty. David Parry just got arrested. Kendall Langford played just seven games last season. Art Jones might not see next season – not at his current salary, at least. Zach Kerr is a restricted free agent. Henry Anderson is coming off an injury-plagued sophomore season. Who could the Colts target? Brandon Williams would beef up a defense that has struggled to stop the run for years. Alan Branch is another possibility, though the Colts haven’t had much luck in recent years chasing 32-year-old free agents. Kansas City’s Dontari Poe is another option, and he’s only 26.

Nick Perry was tied for fifth in the NFL with 11 sacks while playing with Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews and Datone Jones. There's a need for that. ... Peppers had 7.5 sacks for Green Bay last season. For those keeping track at home, that's 14 of 15 years with at least seven sacks. Did we mention he's 37 years old? ... At 34 years old, DeMarcus Ware still has a way of finding the quarterback and creating havoc in the backfield. Can he stay on the field?

Colts outlook: At this position, the Colts need bodies. They need talent. They need something. In light of Robert Mathis’ retirement and the expected departure of Erik Walden, the Colts desperately need to fill the void. Green Bay’s Nick Perry, a viable pass-rusher from the edge, is another option the Colts could look long and hard at. Bottom line: The Colts can’t afford to sit tight at this spot. They have to make something happen.

Dont'a Hightower's flexibility makes him highly coveted. Few inside linebackers can slip into coverage, stuff the run and pressure a quarterback like he can. ... With 97 tackles and four sacks, there's no question Zach Brown will be one of the first to find a new home. ... Kevin Minter provided 81 combined tackles and 3.5 sacks in his fourth season with Arizona and should be on several teams' radar.

Colts outlook: The Colts are young at this position – after the release of D’Qwell Jackson, Indy’s top two inside linebackers are Edwin Jackson, coming off his second NFL season, and Antonio Morrison, coming off his first. Dont’a Hightower would be their crown jewel, the sort of playmaker who can play inside and out. His skillset is exactly what this defense has been missing (just ask the Atlanta Falcons). He won’t come cheap, and New England very well could swoop back into the picture after Hightower fields offers from other teams, but the Colts have the salary cap room to afford it. Buffalo’s Zach Brown, entering the prime of his career, would be a solid fit.

A.J. Bouye started last season as the fourth cornerback and injuries allowed him to showcase his skills. Clearly, he didn't disappoint with 63 combined tackles and 17 passes defended. ... Stephon Gilmore's reputation precedes him as a shutdown corner. He tied for fifth in the NFL with five interceptions last year. ... Logan Ryan was all over the field for the Patriots, collecting 92 total tackles and defending 13 passes.

Colts outlook: The Colts could very well be in the market for a cornerback, but don’t expect them to swing big. Patrick Robinson remains under contract opposite Vontae Davis, Indy’s top talent on the entire defense. Re-signing Darius Butler would offer depth at both the cornerback and safety position, making this less of a glaring need. In all likelihood, the Colts won’t be in play for A.J. Bouye or Stephon Gilmore.

A heavy-hitting safety that can get into the backfield is always a welcome sight and T.J. McDonald fills that role. ... Tony Jefferson finished 2016 with 92 combined tackles, ranking fifth among defensive backs. He also added two sacks. ... Why is Johnathan Cyprien a top target? He only led all defensive backs with 127 total tackles.

Colts outlook: Mike Adams would be 36 next season but has expressed his desire to return to Indianapolis. The Colts could use him, if not for his talents (12 interceptions over the past three season) his leadership. Their two starters behind him – Clayton Geathers and T.J. Green – remain exceptionally young. The Colts could make a splash with Arizona’s Tony Jefferson or L.A.’s T.J. McDonald. But in all likelihood, Geathers and Green are the future for Indy.

Steven Hauschka leads a decent crop of kickers available to teams in need. His 89 percent accuracy on 37 attempts was good for seventh in the league. He nailed his only kick of more than 50 yards. ... Robbie Gould proved there is still life in his leg, hitting all 10 of his field goals this season. However, his longest kick came from 47 yards out. ... Nick Novak punched home 85 percent of his 41 field goals, including three from over 50 yards.

Colts outlook: Adam Vinatieri has missed just seven kicks over the last three seasons. Any questions?